Roofing systems with supporting strap assemblies



L. A. HURD Aug. 15, 1967 ROOFING SYSTEMS WITH SUPPORTING STRAP ASSEMBLIES Filed May 31, 1966 INVENTOR LESLIE A. HURD BY W Wm ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,335,530 ROOFING SYSTEMS WITH SUPPORTING STRAP ASSEMBLIES Leslie A. Hurd, 2616 (Iolumbus, Muskogee, Okla. 74401 Filed May 31, 1966, Ser. No. 554,049 Claims. (Cl. 5213) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Suspended inverted roofing system eliminating requirement of deck while providing expansion of one-piece continuous run with novel strap assemblies.

The present invention relates generally to a suspended inverted roofing system.

An object of the present invention is to enable roofing materials to be transported to the job site in rolled sheeting, while providing simplicity in assembly and adaptability to buildings of varying size and shape without any end joints.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce the likelihood of hail damage with the use of generally concave surfaces.

Still another object of the present invention is to permit required fire tests in commercial areas to be met by installing sheet insulation material or spraying underside of roof assembly with such insulation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide in a roof assembly adequate side and lineal expansion between purlins and roofing during variation in temperature.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a roofing structure adaptable for use with exceedingly low-pitched designs.

A further object of the present invention is to provide water-tight joints while permitting venting through flat areas.

Still a further object of the present invention is to enable wide gutters to be supported, if desired.

Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing specification and attached drawing, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a portion of the roofing assembly of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the roofing assembly of the present invention;

' FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating typical assembly for anchoring beams to purlins, permitting lineal expansion.

FIG. 4 is a section view of interlocking flanges illustrating typical button punches employed for achieving additional strength.

In FIG. 1, a top flange of channel iron is designated with reference numeral 10 to which anchor beam 12 and angle 14 are attached. While beam 12 is secured to angle 14 with any conventional fastener such as stay bolt 16, slip joint anchor assembly 18 secures angle 14 to purlin 10, spacer bolts 20 securing bottom flange 22 of slip joint anchor assembly 18 to purlin 10. In this manner, adjustment of beam 12 is assured in all directions, assembly 18 performing all supporting functions. Where desired, however, angle 14 and/or beam 12 may be secured directly to purlins 10 with bolts, and the like. As presently envisioned, anchor beam 12 runs the full length of roof and is of 6 /2" x 2 /2" dimension while angle 14 is approximately eight inches long and 1 /2 x 1%." x dimension. Obviously, variation in size of beams 12 and angles 14 may be necessary to carry required live loads and spans. Distances of 12-15 feet may be spanned.

Box beam assembly 30 consists generally of beams 32 having horizontal flanges 34 resting in abutting relationship against purlins 10; angles 36 secured to beams 32 with fasteners such as stay bolts 38 and attached to purlins 10 with bolts 40; and cap 42 with down turned flanges 44. Although subject to variation to meet load and span requirements, beams 32 and angles 36 are generally the same size as beams 12 and angles 14, respectively.

While beams 32 and angles 36 are secured tightly to the first purlin 10 illustrated in FIG. 2, provision is made at the intersections of other beams 32', angles 36' and purlins 10' (FIG. 3) to permit expansion with changes in temperature. Along the base of angles 32 and 36' are located elongated slots 37 which permit the associated angles 32' and 36' to slide relative to purlin 10', fastening bolt 40 and washer 41, as much as 3 inches. In contrast to the elongated slots 37 of FIG. 3, the slots within angle 36 of FIG. 2, through which bolt 40 passes to secure beam 32 to purlin 10, are circular thus not permitting expansion and contraction at the first purlin.

In similar manner, if it is desired to secure flanges 34 of beams 32 to purlins 10, bolts 41 may be employed. Where expansion is anticipated, elongated slots are again used as illustratedgenerally in FIG. 3.

As additional supporting structure is required, wire struts 39 are employed, as shown in FIG. 1, between purlin 10 and beams 12 and 32.

Pans 50, which may be 24 gauge galvanized flat sheet iron, each provide a concave surface determined by the radius of curvature R. As seen in FIG. 1, the right sides of pans 50 and 50' terminate in generally U-shaped interlocking flanges 52 and 52 while the left hand side of pan 50 terminates in interlocking flanges 54 of complementary configuration, thus permitting flange 54 to overlap right hand flange 52' of adjacent pan 50. In this man: ner, the right hand interlocking flange 52' of pan 50' is positioned over the top portion of beam 12, after which the left hand flange 54 of pan 50 is positioned over flange 52, horizontal rivets 56 securing beam 12 and flanges 52' and 54. In similar manner, flanges 52 are inserted over the tops of beams 32 of box beam assembly 30, after which cap 42 is placed in position, flanges 44 thereof resting in abutting relationship against flanges 52. Then, rivets 56 are employed to secure each joint, consisting of beam 32, flange 52 and flange 44. The rivets are located on 24" or 30 centers depending on whether 48" or 60 spacing of purlins is employed.

As illustrated generally in FIG. 4, button punches 57 are employed on 3 centers between rivets to provide additional strength to joints of interlocking flanges. Still further strength may be provided by alternatively reversing button punches.

As can thus be seen, the concave surface of pans 50 greatly reduces the possibility of hail damage. Of the utmost importance is the fact that the only exposed fittingsrivets 54 and bolts 56are positioned horizontally and located well above the drainage areas. This, in combination with the tight seals achieved at the juncture of pans 5i and 50', as well as pan 50 and cap 42, ensures against leakage.

Below pans 50 are located straps 60 terminating in vertical flanges 62 attached to beams 12 and 32 with rivets 64. Straps 60 may, for example, be .02 gauge perforated strap iron cradles, inch wide. As can be seen in FIG. 1, the ends of pans 50 and straps 60 are separated from each other. Also, pans 50 and straps 60, being both made of iron, expand and contract at approximately the same rate. Thus, the side expansion of roofing pans 50 and the lineal expansion of straps 60 is permitted during temperature changes without binding between pans 50 and straps 60.

As seen in FIG. 1, glass wall insulation 70 is located between pans 50 and straps 60. Alternatively, the underside of pans 50 may be sprayed with insulation. In this manner, commercial area fire test requirements may be met.

As will now be apparent, the assembly and performance of the present roof otters many advantages presently unknown in the industry. The components of the supporting and anchoring assemblies, such as beams 12 and 32, angles 14 and 36 and caps 42, may be assembled at the factory and delivered to the job site as prefabricated units. Further, the 24 gauge pans 50 may be transported to the job site in coils, there to be cut to proper length and placed in position. By varying the size of components, such as increasing the height of beams and depth of pans, virtually any length of root can be achieved. Should it be desired to support wide gutters from root, box beam assemblies 30 may be extended beyond the caves to carry the gutters. Further, adequate flat area is provided in box beam assemblies 30 for ventilating purposes. Finally, as previously discussed, the assembled roof, while permitting side and lineal expansion, ensures against leakage with water-tight joints.

Manifestly, variation in design and assembly of component parts may be envisioned, without departing from the spirit and scope of invention, as defined in the subjoined claims.

I claim:

1. A roof structure, comprising:

(A) a plurality of purlins spaced apart from each other;

(B) a plurality of beams transversely spanning said purlins to form points of intersection, said beams spaced apart predetermined distances along said purlins;

(C) mounting means securing said beams to said purlins, said mounting means permitting said beams to move relative to said purlins at certain of said points of intersection;

(D) a plurality of pans being generally curvilinear in configuration, said pans terminating in locking flanges;

(E) means securing said locking flanges of said pans to selected adjacent beams of said plurality of beams;

(F) at least one cap being generally flat in configuration and suspended between and attached to two adjacent beams of said plurality of beams while covering said locking flanges of said pans which are secured to said two adjacent beams; and

(G) curvilinear strap assemblies attached to selected adjacent beams below said locking flanges of said pans attached thereto, said strap assemblies being suspended between said adjacent beams and also located below said pans and spaced therefrom predetermined distances such that said strap assemblies provide a bed for supporting said pans intermediate said selected adjacent beams during thermal expansion.

2. A roof structure as in claim 1, wherein the curvilinear configuration of said pans is concave.

3. A roof structure as in claim 1, wherein said pans are a single sheet of metal.

4. A roof structure as in claim 2, wherein said beams are angular in cross-section and certain of said mounting 4 means consist of a plurality of angles abutting certain of said beams and resting upon and fastened to said purlins, said beams and angles being secured to each other with fasteners.

5. A roof structure as in claim 4, wherein and plurality of angles abutting certain of said beams include slots generally parallel to said beams together with bolting assemblies passing through said slots and anchored to said purlins permitting movement of said plurality of angles and attached beams transversely of said purlins during temperature changes.

6. A roof structure as in claim 4, wherein other of said mounting means consist of a plurality of first angles abutting other of said beams and having bottom portions resting upon said purlins, said other beams and first angles being secured to each other with fasteners, together with a plurality of second angles resting upon said bottom portions of said first angles in sliding relationship, said second angles being attached to said purlins with fasteners.

7. A roof structure as in claim 6, wherein said locking flanges of said pans are generally U-shaped in configuration and complementary in configuration to each other such that after one interlocking flange of one of said pans is positioned over the top of one of said beams, the adjacent interlocking flange of an adjacent pan is positioned over said one interlocking flange, together with horizontally disposed fasteners securing said flanges to said top of one of said beams.

8. A roof structure is in claim 7, including insulation material positioned below said pans and supported by said strap members.

9. A roof structure as in claim 8, wherein said beams extend beyond said purlins to provide means for supporting gutters.

10. A roof structure as in claim 9, wherein said locking flanges and beams are button punched at selected points to provide additional strength.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 146,555 1/1874 Scott 52-520 214,027 4/ 1879 Currier 52-520 302,113 7/1884 Dellmon 52-520 X 370,680 9/1887 Caldwell 52-478 1,109,399 9/1914 Butler 52-83 1,882,105 10/1932 Wender 52-520 1,974,351 9/1934 Walten 52-520 X 2,412,401 12/1946 Holm-Hansen 52-461 2,855,871 10/1958 Huntington 52-461 3,031,044 4/1962 Stitt 52-479 X 3,209,503 10/1965 Mostoller 52-478 X FOREIGN PATENTS 1,266,994 6/ 1961 France.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner.

M. O. WARNECKE, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A ROOF STRUCTURE, COMPRISING: (A) A PLURALITY OF PURLINS SPACED APART FROM EACH OTHER; (B) A PLURALITY OF BEAMS TRANSVERSELY SPANNING SAID PURLINS TO FORM POINTS OF INTERSECTION, SAID BEAMS SPACED APART PREDETERMINED DISTANCES ALONG SAID PURLINS; (C) MOUNTING MEANS SECURING SAID BEAMS TO SAID PURLINS, SAID MOUNTING MEANS PERMITTING SAID BEAMS TO MOVE RELATIVE TO SAID PURLINS AT CERTAIN OF SAID POINTS OF INTERSECTION; (D) A PLURALITY OF PANS BEING GENERALLY CURVILINEAR IN CONFIGURATION, SAID PANS TERMINATING IN LOCKING FLANGES; (E) MEANS SECURING SAID LOCKING FLANGES OF SAID PANS TO SELECTED ADJACENT BEAMS OF SAID PLURALITY OF BEAMS; (F) AT LEAST ONE CAP BEING GENERALLY FLAT IN CONFIGURATION AND SUSPENDED BETWEEN AND ATTACHED TO TWO ADJACENT BEAMS OF SAID PLURALITY OF BEAMS WHILE COVERING SAID LOCKING FLANGES OF SAID PANS WHICH ARE SECURED TO SAID TWO ADJACENT BEAMS; AND (G) CURVILINEAR STRIP ASSEMBLIES ATTACHED TO SELECTED ADJACENT BEAMS BELOW SAID LOCKING FLANGES OF SAID PANS ATTACHED THERETO, SAID STRAP ASSEMBLIES BEING SUSPENDED BETWEEN SAID ADJACENT BEAMS AND ALSO LOCATED BELOW SAID PANS AND SPACED THEREFROM PREDETERMINED DISTANCES SUCH THAT SAID STRAP ASSEMBLIES PROVIDE A BED FOR SUPPORTING SAID PANS INTERMEDIATE SAID SELECTED ADJACENT BEAMS DURING THERMAL EXPANSION. 